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Police said Wednesday night that they determined that Willie Dumel, 25, was the suspect involved in a violent wrong-way crash on I-95 that killed four people early Wednesday. Police had initially identified another man as the suspect, before that man came forward to say that he had nothing to do with the crash and that his ID was stolen four years ago. Opa-locka Police spokesman David Chiverton and witness Jeff Kopelman discussed the case. (Published Thursday, Apr 4, 2013)

Updated at 4:30 PM EDT on Thursday, Apr 4, 2013

Police said they have determined the true identity of the suspect involved in a violent wrong-way crash on I-95 that killed four people Wednesday morning.

Willie Dumel, 25, was the suspect driving an SUV that crashed with a minivan in northeast Miami-Dade, Opa-locka Police spokesman David Chiverton said Wednesday night.

FHP Discusses Wrong-Way Crash on I-95 That Killed 4

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez discusses the wrong-way crash on I-95 that started with a police pursuit in Opa-locka and ended with four family members killed. (Published Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013)

Police had initially identified another man as the suspect, before that man came forward to say that he had nothing to do with the crash and that his ID was stolen four years ago.

A police pursuit that began in Opa-locka ended in the crash early Wednesday, officials said.

Police Trying To Identify Suspect in Wrong-Way Crash

At least four people were killed after a police pursuit that began in Opa-locka ended in a violent wrong-way crash on I-95 in northeast Miami-Dade Wednesday morning, officials said. The suspect, who police had initially identified as 24-year-old Paolo LaFrance, was hospitalized with two broken legs but was expected to survive, the FHP said. But another man came to Opea-locka kPolice headquarters to say he was the real Paolo LaFrance and had nothing to do with the crash -- leaving detectives to try and figure out the true identity of the suspect. FHP spokesman Joe Sanchez, Opa-locka Police spokesman David Chiverton and witness Jeff Kopelman discussed the case. (Published Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013)

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 1 a.m. as the suspect, who was driving a 2013 Chevy Suburban SUV, entered the southbound lanes of I-95 at Ives Dairy Road traveling northbound.

At one point, between Ives Dairy and Hallandale Beach Boulevard, the SUV was involved in a head-on crash with a 2013 Kia minivan, killing four family members inside, the FHP said.

4 Killed After Police Pursuit Ends in Wrong-Way Crash on I-95

At least four people were killed after a police pursuit that began in Opa-locka ended in a violent wrong-way crash on I-95 in northeast Miami-Dade Wednesday morning, officials said. (Published Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013)

One of the victims was ejected from the van, Opa-locka Police said. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the crash.

FHP Trooper Joe Sanchez said it was one of the worst crashes he's ever seen.

"It's a tragedy, anytime anybody loses their life out here on the highway it's a tragedy but when you have four, unconfirmed, possibly even more inside the vehcile because the car's so mangled up but as of now we have unconfirmed four fatalities in this accident," Sanchez said.

The suspect, who police had initially identified as 24-year-old Paolo LaFrance, was hospitalized with two broken legs but was expected to survive, the FHP said. The front of his SUV was completely crumpled.

Police later said the man would undergo surgery Wednesday for his injuries to his legs.

He was in stable condition Wednesday night, police said.

Opa-locka Police said another man came to their headquarters to say he was the real Paolo LaFrance and had nothing to do with the crash. The man claimed he had his ID stolen four years ago. The ID was found on the suspect, an official said.

“He just wanted to come in and clear the air," Chiverton said of LaFrance. "He didn’t want to be caught up in something of this caliber."

Jeff Kopelman, who saw the crash occur, said it was shocking, and it will haunt him.

At one point, he tossed a gun out of the SUV, police said. The gun was later recovered.

Chiverton said the Opa-locka officer who tried to stop the suspect, Cpl. Sergio Perez, has been placed on administrative leave with pay, which is standard any time an officer is involved in such a situation.

Police said the man will be charged with fleeing or attempting to elude and will likely face more serious charges.

The family hasn't been identified but police said they believe they're all adults.